David Fincher’s “Gone Girl” is a feat of aesthetic brilliance and sophisticated narrative. Both of which cement its place as one of the finest entries in the director’s already impressive list of films, which includes “Fight Club,” “The Social Network,” and “Se7en.” With fantastic performances, sharp writing, surprisingly dark humor, and exemplary pacing, the movie stands as one of the most riveting of the year so far.
In “Gone Girl,” Amy Dunne goes missing on the day of their fifth wedding anniversary from the home she shares with her husband Nick. What starts out as a seemingly average series of events, accompanied by flashback journal entries by Amy throughout certain points in her relationship, slowly and calculatingly transforms into a thoroughly captivating tale of mystery and deceit. Halfway through the narrative, a gigantic plot twist will definitely confound those who have not read the novel on which the film is based. This turn completely changes the course of the story, throwing new obstacles and challenges towards Nick, who is naturally suspected to be behind his wife’s disappearance. If it sounds like I am dancing around what happens next… it’s because I am. When I say that if you plan on seeing the film, do not let someone spoil it for you. This is a fascinating character study, as well as a critique of marriage and the current state of U.S. news media. The twist only furthers the interesting dynamics at play here.
The main reason why the complex story moves so well is because we are completely vested in these characters, which are expertly played by everyone involved. Most notably Rosamund Pike as Amy and Kim Dickens as Detective Boney, with Ben Affleck also turning in a good performance as Nick. Pike delivers one of the most chilling, Hitchcockian, perfect performances I have seen on screen in a while. Dickens gives nice depth to what could be a thankless police role. Again, it is hard to praise what makes these performances so elaborate and fantastic without giving away story details.
Another reason why “Gone Girl” is such a captivating movie is its technical and aesthetic prowess. The film looks excellent, as all Fincher movies tend to be, with its expertly crafted cinematography and lighting. The movie also has a fittingly grim score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who previously collaborated with Fincher for “The Social Network” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” It all comes together nicely with absolutely perfect pacing. For a film that is nearly two and a half hours long, it breezes by effortlessly. I could sit through another hour.
“Gone Girl” is a sophisticated, engaging adaptation, as well as faithful to its source material (and not in a detrimental way). A tense, grim experience, the film mixes all of its elements together into a concoction of sick pleasure. The writing aptly fits the tone of the book, with unexpected dark humor that you almost feel bad for laughing at. It’s a psychological thriller in the traditional sense of the word, but the filmmakers really go the extra mile to give it an edge. It’s one of the best films of 2014 yet, and a real treat for anyone looking for a near-perfect mystery. Go see it.